Chapter 2: A New Attitude
Smoke unfurled from his mouth and floated lazily towards the ceiling. He put the cigarette to his lips and took a long drag. Only the glowing embers were visible in his dark room, and he lost himself in the nothingness. He heard his name being called in the distance but he didn't care.
"Draco."
His eyes snapped open and he found his blonde haired mother peering at him from his door. She quickly muttered "lumos" and his room was filled with a harsh light and his eyes watered a bit.
"What have I told you about falling asleep while smoking? You know your father would disapprove of you smoking in the manor anyway."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Sure, I'll just go to Azkaban and receive my spanking for being such a naughty little boy. Will you be accompanying me mother? I'm sure he could use the touch of a woman."
"That's enough! I won't tolerate you talking to me in that manner."
Though her exterior was strong and indifferent, Narcissa was starting to break and Draco was causing the cracks.
He smirked, yawned, and extinguished his cigarette in a nearby ashtray. "There, I put it out. Don't be angry mother." He said, encircling his arms around her.
Narcissa let her frail body lean against him for a moment. He smelled of cigarettes and she could smell a bit of Lucius' spirits. "Why do you lash out at me Draco? I only care for you like a mother should."
Draco petted her head. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that father makes me so angry, he's having a trifle of a time at Azkaban while we struggle with the repercussions of his own actions."
Narcissa sighed. "I admit, he has put the Malfoy name in a predicament but he only did what he thought was best. He only wanted to help you."
Draco's expression turned cold. "My father only wanted to help himself. He has an insatiable lust for power and the fool will bend under any man who offers it to him."
Ignoring the searing words of her son, Narcissa continued. "That's not what I came to talk to you about." She pulled out a slip of parchment from her robe. "It's to you from Hogwarts. I took the liberty of opening it and well...you should read it."
Draco quickly scanned the letter and a scowl surfaced on his face. "The old bat is out of her mind. Returning to Hogwarts would be like a death sentence for me."
Narcissa smoothed back Draco's shoulder length blonde hair, usually stroking his hair calmed him down. With satisfaction, his shoulders slumped and he sat down on the bed.
"I know it sounds bad, but think of it as a way to recreate yourself without the influence of your father." Narcissa said, sitting on the bed beside her son. "And besides, McGonagall needs you. Who else is going to support Slytherin?"
"What am I supposed to do? Waltz in there and pretend I'm not the son of a convicted death eater? I will be hexed within five minutes of being at Hogwarts."
Narcissa shook her head. "I doubt seriously that will happen. Minerva wouldn't dare let something happen to one of her students. Just give it a go, and if you don't like it, I'll be sure to transfer you to Durmstrang."
"That means that I'll have to attend school with He who is our Savior and all the starry eyed twats that worship him."
"Harry Potter certainly can't be that bad."
Draco sneered. "He didn't try to kill you in a bathroom with horrible curse."
"If I'm not mistaken, you were going to use an Unforgivable. Not to mention he has saved your life and asked nothing in return."
Draco only grumbled.
"Give a chance my sweet."
Draco thought for a moment. "I will try Hogwarts, but I will be expecting a fucking amazing Christmas."
Narcissa shook her head. Draco would always be Draco.
